Pneumonia Treatment and Care

Pneumonia Treatment in Georgia

While some illnesses occur only during specific seasons, pneumonia can affect anyone at any time of the year. It can range from mild to life-threatening, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms early, as pneumonia may be mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or common cold. At AllCare Georgia, our team of dedicated healthcare professionals can provide a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for pneumonia. We offer compassionate urgent and primary care services all in one convenient location, delivered by experts who will prioritize your comfort throughout every step of your recovery.

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What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It occurs when these germs invade the lungs, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs, which can make breathing difficult. Mild cases may go away on their own, but pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for those with underlying health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues, or for older adults and young children.

How Do You Get Pneumonia?

Pneumonia often follows an upper respiratory infection like the flu or the common cold, but it can also be contracted through exposure to germs in the air when someone with pneumonia sneezes or coughs or by inhaling toxic fumes or even food particles. It’s important to seek prompt medical care if you experience pneumonia symptoms, as early treatment can help prevent the infection from worsening and causing lasting lung damage.

Common Pneumonia Symptoms

Cough
Fever
Chills
Shortness of breath
Rapid or shallow breathing
Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bluish color to the lips and fingernails

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Pneumonia Testing and Treatment in Georgia

Pneumonia Medications

Depending on the type of pneumonia, we may prescribe different medications. For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are used; for viral pneumonia, antiviral medications; and for fungal pneumonia, antifungals. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help relieve fever and muscle pain, while expectorants may be recommended to help clear mucus from the airways.

Sputum Test

A sample of sputum, or lung fluid, is collected following a deep cough and then analyzed to help identify the source of the infection.

Physical Examination

Your doctor will review your symptoms and check your vital signs, including oxygen levels. They will also listen to your lungs for any abnormal sounds like crackling, wheezing, and fluid around the lungs.

Oxygen Therapy

You may need oxygen therapy if you are having difficulty breathing, have a chronic lung condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or have severe pneumonia in order to maintain normal oxygen saturation levels.

Pleural Fluid Culture

A pleural fluid culture may be performed to help identify the cause of any fluid buildup in your lungs.

Chest X-ray

This is the most common test for diagnosing pneumonia. It provides clear images of the lungs and helps identify white spots, which indicate an infection.

CT Scan

If you are not healing quickly enough with treatment, your physician may perform a CT scan to get a more detailed look at your lungs.

Types of Pneumonia

There are four main types of pneumonia.

Bacterial Pneumonia: This type is caused by bacteria, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common cause. It can affect a small part of your lung or spread across both lungs. Bacterial pneumonia often requires antibiotics to treat and can become more severe if not addressed quickly.
Viral Pneumonia: Viral pneumonia is responsible for about one-third of pneumonia cases and is caused by several viruses, including the flu. It’s generally less severe than bacterial pneumonia and tends to improve on its own. However, having viral pneumonia can sometimes lead to bacterial pneumonia as a secondary infection.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Often called “walking pneumonia, this type of pneumonia is considered atypical, meaning its symptoms can be mild or less noticeable compared to other types. It’s most common in younger people, like older children and young adults, and tends to cause a mild illness that doesn’t usually require bed rest.
Fungal Pneumonia: Fungal pneumonia occurs when you inhale fungi from the environment, such as from soil or bird droppings. One specific type, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Serving Patients Across Georgia

Online Doctor Visits and Telehealth Services

Experience the convenience of telehealth appointments at AllCare Georgia. Our telemedicine services are designed to provide you with seamless access to healthcare without the need to leave your home. Whether you need an online doctor’s appointment for immediate or primary care, AllCare Georgia’s got you covered. With our online telehealth services currently available to individuals located in Georgia, you can connect with our experienced urgent and primary care physicians via secure video calls.

At AllCare Georgia, we are expanding our virtual healthcare access to all services previously offered in person. This includes:

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Who Can Benefit from Pneumonia Treatment

Adults and children who are experiencing symptoms of pneumonia can benefit from our pneumonia treatment services. It’s important to receive a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing pneumonia, as it can be a life-threatening condition for certain individuals. Anyone experiencing any of the following should seek care for their pneumonia:

You are having trouble breathing
You have a high fever
You are experiencing a cough with mucus that is severe or is getting worse
You are coughing up blood
You have rapid, uncontrolled breathing
You are an adult older than age 65
You have a child aged two or younger
You have an underlying health condition or weakened immune system
You are receiving chemotherapy or taking medication that suppresses the immune system

In addition, if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, have a bluish color in your lips or fingertips, or are experiencing chest pain, you should call 911 or seek immediate care at your local emergency center.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pneumonia

01 What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia is caused by infections from bacteria (like Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (like influenza or RSV), fungi, or parasites. It can also occur from inhaling food, liquids, or harmful substances, known as aspiration pneumonia. Certain factors, such as smoking, chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems, and being very young or elderly, increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

02 Is pneumonia deadly?

Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, infants, or those with weakened immune systems. Severe cases can lead to complications like respiratory failure, sepsis, or lung abscesses. However, with prompt medical treatment, most people recover fully. Early detection and proper care are key to reducing the risks.

03 Can pneumonia be prevented?

While pneumonia can’t fully be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk, including:

Getting vaccinated
Practicing good hygiene
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Controlling chronic conditions like diabetes
Limiting alcohol, which can weaken your immune system

04 How Is pneumonia diagnosed?

Pneumonia is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. During the exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal sounds like crackling. Common tests include:

Chest X-rays to check for inflammation or fluid in the lungs.
Blood tests to detect infection.
Sputum analysis to identify the type of germ causing the infection.
Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in the blood.

In some cases, more advanced imaging or bronchoscopy may be required for diagnosis.

05 How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?

Recovery from pneumonia varies based on factors like age, overall health, and the severity of the infection. Mild cases can improve in a week or two, but fatigue and lingering symptoms may last longer. For more severe cases, recovery can take several weeks to months. Always follow your doctor’s treatment plan and rest adequately to support full recovery.

Prioritize your health today: schedule your pneumonia testing appointment

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